“Yes, sir, on my way to Retta’s right now.”
“I still have to make a stop back in town. Since you’ll be passing the fire tower, would you mind showing Pearl the rest of the way?”
“Happy to take Pearl for you, sir.”
“Much obliged, Honey.” He turned to Pearl. “You’re in good hands. I’ll bring up that trunk you mentioned earlier, once it arrives in the morning.”
We journeyed through the woods while Pearl chatted about her job, distracting me from my thoughts of home.
“The ranger said I’ll have every Sunday off and at least one weekend off a month. Where do folks go for fun?” she asked.
“When R.C. was the lookout, he used to take his fiancée to the picture show over in the next town. There’s a train depot about four miles from the tower that’ll tote you there.”
“We have us a fine movie house in Somerset. It’s called the Virginia Cinema and I loved going. Last month, Mother took me to see Singin’ in the Rain with Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds. Oh, but it was grand!”
“I read about it in the newspaper. Mama promised to take me if it’s still playing.” I quieted and snapped the reins, urging Junia onward. I knew the chances of seeing the musical were slim now.
At the foot of Hogtail Mountain, I stopped and climbed off Junia, motioning for Pearl to do the same. “It’s narrow ahead. We’ll have to walk most of the way from here.”
“It doesn’t look much wider than a bicycle path.” Pearl laughed.
“Some spots are easier than others. Mama used to bring me up here all the time to see R.C. and Ruth. We were real tickled to learn about his promotion.”
“Last week, my uncle brought my horse over to R.C. so he could be here when I arrived. I met R.C. at the ranger station this morning when I picked up Pie and the maps. Met him and another ranger named Robbie Hardin.” She frowned at the mention of Hardin.
“Sure is something, you being appointed a female fire-tower lookout, and so young.” I stopped to study her a bit closer. Pearl must’ve sensed my curiosity.
“I just turned nineteen. Graduated high school last year and spent the summer working part time over at the Big Knob lookout in Pulaski County. As soon as my boss told me there was an opening here for full-time work, I applied. How about you?”
“I’m from here and I’ve always wanted to be a book woman like my mama.”
“You can’t be more than fifteen. You have plenty of time to get your librarianship.”
I looked away, thinking about the House of Reform and agonizing over whether to fib to this new acquaintance. It didn’t feel right, but neither did the whole day. “Eighteen,” I lied, worrying that I might have to keep lying to strangers if my parents never came back for me.
Pearl stared down at my coloring hands. “Are you okay?”
I realized I’d forgotten to put back on my gloves after checking my timepiece. “Fine, it’s nothing but a disorder that flares up once in a while. It’s been a long day already.” Quickly, I turned away and led Junia along the mountain path. “Watch your step,” I called back to remind Pearl, digging into my pocket for the gloves.
“What’s Somerset like? I’ve never been,” I asked while we walked.
“Small town. Nice enough. We live near Lake Cumberland and spend a lot of time boating and fishing on the lake.”
“Sounds nice. I’ve seen pictures in the local magazines, and it’s sure a pretty lake.”
“Yeah, but nothing like these beautiful knobs you have. I can’t wait to explore it all.”